{create this} clay starfish garland

Sooooo, I gave our master bedroom a makeover ... oh, about six months ago!  I took it from a brown/green hodge podge to a serene seaside retreat in shades of teal-ish blue, tan, cream and pops of coral.  I really need to get the laundry put away and take some pictures and give you a tour.  But for now, how about a simple DIY project that you make and bake in about 30 minutes start to stop?

Dig your toes in the sand and {create this} with me ... a clay starfish garland!!

Though you probably can't tell from the picture, I tried out two different kinds of clay for this project.  The first type was a tub of air dry Crayola white clay (we had some leftover from The Bigger Bug's fossil project for science).  Worked just fine and air dried in about 2 days.  Then, I tried the Fimo clay in white ... this is the kind you bake.  And I am totally SOLD  on it.  I love that you bake for 15 minutes and it is done!!  Perfect for the impatient crafter!

So, do you want to make some starfish of your own?  Here are the easy steps ...

1.  Form a small ball of clay
2.  Use a skewer to section the ball into 5 sections.
3.  Form, flatten and smooth each arm.
4.  Use the skewer to dot the surface and sides of each starfish.

Depending on the clay used, bake according to the package directions (I baked mine for 15 minutes at 275*) or allow to air dry.  I brushed some really watered down brown acrylic paint to age them a bit and take away the stark white color.  But I don't think you can really tell, ha ha. 

String together six starfish using rustic jute or twine and bring a little seaside to your bedroom, guest room or just about anywhere! 

I love this rustic, totally handmade project!  It is perfectly imperfect ... just like the real thing!!  And I sort of like that there is a hint of a fingerprint here and there - adds a very personal touch!

Friends of ours have a cool little beach cottage at New Smyrna and I might just have to make another garland to take along the next time we visit ... and maybe I can talk her into making fried dough!  (Recipe coming soon!!)

I have so much more to share in our bedroom ... a Craigslist armoire make over, a corner ledge filled with beach treasures, a cool retro framed poster ... so stick around!!  There is more beach-y goodness to come!!

This project or recipe was shared at the blogs on my Link page!